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Chocolate Centered Mystery #1
The Sweet Smell of Murder
Ally Sweet is happy to be returning for a short break to the small town where she grew up. She is planning on using the time off to get over her messy divorce and she is looking forward to spending time with her much-loved grandmother and relaxing making chocolates and anything chocolaty.But then… the delivery driver for her grandmother’s chocolate shop is found murdered. The detectives investigating the crime have a prime suspect, Ally’s high school sweetheart, Brent. Ally believes that Brent would never murder anyone, so with the help of her trusted feline friend, Peaches, she tries to uncover the truth.The search for the killer leads Ally straight into the line of danger. Will she be able find the murderer before she becomes a victim herself? Triple Chocolate Muffin Recipe Included!
114 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
August 11, 2020
I was very pleasantly surprised by The Sweet Smell of Murder, because the writing is adequate, but also because the author was bold and knew what she was going for. The effects on its readers is positive, and I can see this author being even more popular in the future.
One thing the author, Cindy Bell, dared to do was spin a Games of Thrones like anarchy for her readers. What I mean by that is that the deceased - murdered - and the perpetrator and murderer were people of grave importance to Ally. Ally is the main character and also the POV of this book.
I'm curious about what will happen in the sequel to this book...I'm going to read it pretty soon, for first I have to read a couple of Christmas themed books. Cindy Bell is a talented writer who was not afraid not to clutter up her book with red herrings. Mind, she may go that route in the next book, but I'll still read the sequel soon enough. Never would have imagined that I'd rate this one 5 stars.
One thing the author, Cindy Bell, dared to do was spin a Games of Thrones like anarchy for her readers. What I mean by that is that the deceased - murdered - and the perpetrator and murderer were people of grave importance to Ally. Ally is the main character and also the POV of this book.
I'm curious about what will happen in the sequel to this book...I'm going to read it pretty soon, for first I have to read a couple of Christmas themed books. Cindy Bell is a talented writer who was not afraid not to clutter up her book with red herrings. Mind, she may go that route in the next book, but I'll still read the sequel soon enough. Never would have imagined that I'd rate this one 5 stars.
December 14, 2022
Ally Sweet was returning to Blue River, to her grandmother and the home she loved. Ally was recovering from a divorce and a short holiday with Charlotte would recharge her batteries. Charlotte owned the local chocolate shop and Ally was happy to be back by her side, working the sweet treats that made the shop so popular. Peaches, Ally's cat, and Arnold, Charlotte's pig, didn't see eye to eye though.
An old school friend of Ally's, Connor, was part time delivery driver for Charlotte and the first day Ally was back, she was talking to him before his deliveries. But Connor didn't arrive back at the shop and when his body was found the next morning, everyone was shocked. But when another good friend was arrested for his murder, Ally was determined to discover who killed Connor, because Brent sure didn't. But could she do it without putting herself in danger?
The Sweet Smell of Murder is the 1st in the Chocolate Centered Mystery series by Cindy Bell and I enjoyed it very much. Plenty of twists to keep the reader guessing - I didn't pick the killer until close to the finish - and some excellent characters makes me recommend this cozy highly.
An old school friend of Ally's, Connor, was part time delivery driver for Charlotte and the first day Ally was back, she was talking to him before his deliveries. But Connor didn't arrive back at the shop and when his body was found the next morning, everyone was shocked. But when another good friend was arrested for his murder, Ally was determined to discover who killed Connor, because Brent sure didn't. But could she do it without putting herself in danger?
The Sweet Smell of Murder is the 1st in the Chocolate Centered Mystery series by Cindy Bell and I enjoyed it very much. Plenty of twists to keep the reader guessing - I didn't pick the killer until close to the finish - and some excellent characters makes me recommend this cozy highly.
July 25, 2021
Cute, relaxing, clean read. Short story.
February 17, 2018
Meet Peaches, the cat and Arnold, the portly
pot belly Pig when Ally returns to visit her
grandmother.
Ally’s Mee Maw lives in Blue River and runs a
handmade gourmet chocolate and coffee shop.
After Ally’s divorce she and Peaches go home to
visit but Mee Maw want Ally to move back and
take over the making and running the chocolate
and coffee shop.
The first thing Ally makes is a batch of Triple
Chocolate Muffins. The recipe is included at the
end of the book.
But tragedy strikes when the chocolate shops
delivery driver is found shot dead. Thanks to
Peaches escaping the house Ally overhears the
two detectives talking near the scene of the crime.
She feels they are railroading the owner of the an
auto shop whose families had a long running feud.
Ally follows a lead, she discovers on the delivery
drivers GPS when she does a delivery for Mee Maw.
Who should she trust? One detective is new and
while easy on the eyes, he is not use to small town
situations. The other detective on the case is a
person Ally grew up with plus had a crush on him.
But who should she trust with what she has uncovered
with her own investigation?
A chocolate delicious mystery and murder investigation.
Lots of mouthwatering goodies mix with drama, suspense,
danger with the help of Peaches.
A good read.
pot belly Pig when Ally returns to visit her
grandmother.
Ally’s Mee Maw lives in Blue River and runs a
handmade gourmet chocolate and coffee shop.
After Ally’s divorce she and Peaches go home to
visit but Mee Maw want Ally to move back and
take over the making and running the chocolate
and coffee shop.
The first thing Ally makes is a batch of Triple
Chocolate Muffins. The recipe is included at the
end of the book.
But tragedy strikes when the chocolate shops
delivery driver is found shot dead. Thanks to
Peaches escaping the house Ally overhears the
two detectives talking near the scene of the crime.
She feels they are railroading the owner of the an
auto shop whose families had a long running feud.
Ally follows a lead, she discovers on the delivery
drivers GPS when she does a delivery for Mee Maw.
Who should she trust? One detective is new and
while easy on the eyes, he is not use to small town
situations. The other detective on the case is a
person Ally grew up with plus had a crush on him.
But who should she trust with what she has uncovered
with her own investigation?
A chocolate delicious mystery and murder investigation.
Lots of mouthwatering goodies mix with drama, suspense,
danger with the help of Peaches.
A good read.
September 16, 2019
When Ally Sweet returns home to her grandmother, she's surprised that an old school friend, Connor, is the delivery driver for her grandmother's chocolate shop. He asks her out for a drink and she agrees, but he never shows up. When they find out that he's been murdered, and her high school boyfriend is arrested for the crime, she's sure he didn't do it. But finding out who to trust is another story altogether...
Following are spoilers that give away a lot of the plot (including my recap and the name of the murderer) so please don't read unless you've already read the book or don't really care.
Following are spoilers that give away a lot of the plot (including my recap and the name of the murderer) so please don't read unless you've already read the book or don't really care.
December 17, 2018
2.5 stars rounded up
Ally Sweet returns to her hometown of Blue River after a failed marriage and life in the big city. Ally can't wait to see her beloved Mee-Maw again and bake together. Nothing solves problems like chocolate! Ally doesn't plan to stay and resists Mee-Maw's attempts at matchmaking. Then Connor Troy, Mee-Maw's chocolate shop delivery boy is found dead with a bullet hole in his head. Connor seemed like a sweet guy, despite his making a move to ask Ally out the second he saw she was back. Who could have killed him? The new detective in town, Luke Elm, seems to mistrust Ally for some reason. Mee-Maw trusts that Ally's old crush turned detective, Julian, will keep Luke from arresting the wrong suspect. When Ally's old boyfriend, Brent, is arrested and everyone is gossipping about the long standing feud between Connor and Brent's families. Ally isn't sure what happened to Connor but she knows Brent would never lie to her and he insists he didn't do it. Ally is determined to solve the mystery before Brent gets sent to jail.
This story was short and a bit complicated. The mystery gets dark quickly but overall is largely forgettable. I liked the quirky characters introduced here. There aren't many, just Ally, Mee-Maw and her pets, the detectives, victim and suspect. Ally lacks personality. She lost herself in a marriage to a controlling man who didn't have the decency not to cheat on her. Ally needs to find her way again. One thing that stands out about her is that she's loyal. She won't let down an old friend despite her life being on the line. Ally also loves to lose herself in baking to forget her troubles. She loves her cat Peaches, who is sweet and plays a large role in the story. Mee-Maw is a hoot but I would find her matchmaking annoying. She doesn't spend much time making chocolate or baking in this novel. I'd like to see more of it. Eccentric Mee-Maw has a pet pig, Arnold. Arnold is adorable and I wanted more of him.
The secondary characters were about as cardboard as the primary ones. Connor seemed like a very nice guy and didn't deserve to be killed. The detective Luke gives off a Mr. Darcy vibe. He's handsome but unfriendly to strangers. Julian is a local and he knows everyone and is kind to Ally and Mee-Maw.
I kind of guessed what the secret was. I was on the right track anyway. The identity of the murderer also wasn't a huge surprise but just how diabolical that person is came as a shock.
I'm not too interested in reading more about Ally Sweet right now but I am dying to try that triple chocolate muffin recipe!
Ally Sweet returns to her hometown of Blue River after a failed marriage and life in the big city. Ally can't wait to see her beloved Mee-Maw again and bake together. Nothing solves problems like chocolate! Ally doesn't plan to stay and resists Mee-Maw's attempts at matchmaking. Then Connor Troy, Mee-Maw's chocolate shop delivery boy is found dead with a bullet hole in his head. Connor seemed like a sweet guy, despite his making a move to ask Ally out the second he saw she was back. Who could have killed him? The new detective in town, Luke Elm, seems to mistrust Ally for some reason. Mee-Maw trusts that Ally's old crush turned detective, Julian, will keep Luke from arresting the wrong suspect. When Ally's old boyfriend, Brent, is arrested and everyone is gossipping about the long standing feud between Connor and Brent's families. Ally isn't sure what happened to Connor but she knows Brent would never lie to her and he insists he didn't do it. Ally is determined to solve the mystery before Brent gets sent to jail.
This story was short and a bit complicated. The mystery gets dark quickly but overall is largely forgettable. I liked the quirky characters introduced here. There aren't many, just Ally, Mee-Maw and her pets, the detectives, victim and suspect. Ally lacks personality. She lost herself in a marriage to a controlling man who didn't have the decency not to cheat on her. Ally needs to find her way again. One thing that stands out about her is that she's loyal. She won't let down an old friend despite her life being on the line. Ally also loves to lose herself in baking to forget her troubles. She loves her cat Peaches, who is sweet and plays a large role in the story. Mee-Maw is a hoot but I would find her matchmaking annoying. She doesn't spend much time making chocolate or baking in this novel. I'd like to see more of it. Eccentric Mee-Maw has a pet pig, Arnold. Arnold is adorable and I wanted more of him.
The secondary characters were about as cardboard as the primary ones. Connor seemed like a very nice guy and didn't deserve to be killed. The detective Luke gives off a Mr. Darcy vibe. He's handsome but unfriendly to strangers. Julian is a local and he knows everyone and is kind to Ally and Mee-Maw.
I kind of guessed what the secret was. I was on the right track anyway. The identity of the murderer also wasn't a huge surprise but just how diabolical that person is came as a shock.
I'm not too interested in reading more about Ally Sweet right now but I am dying to try that triple chocolate muffin recipe!
October 11, 2017
A pig in the house?
When I was looking for a book to read I decided to go back to A Bittersweet Murder. A book I have been reading on and off for a year and couldn't get into. It never quite made sense then I realized why. It wasn't first in the series so I started from the beginning.
When Ally comes home for a visit to mend her heart after a divorce,a childhood crush blinds her to the reality of old friends and their true nature.
It also, as in many small towns, makes the newcomer a suspicious character.
I liked this book. I found the characters extremely likeable even though not quite fleshed out yet.
It's an easy read and I hope as I read more books I'll get a better sense of the town.
Just having trouble wrapping my mind around a pig in the house.
Now to finish book two of the series and hopefully start book three. And try the recipe.
When I was looking for a book to read I decided to go back to A Bittersweet Murder. A book I have been reading on and off for a year and couldn't get into. It never quite made sense then I realized why. It wasn't first in the series so I started from the beginning.
When Ally comes home for a visit to mend her heart after a divorce,a childhood crush blinds her to the reality of old friends and their true nature.
It also, as in many small towns, makes the newcomer a suspicious character.
I liked this book. I found the characters extremely likeable even though not quite fleshed out yet.
It's an easy read and I hope as I read more books I'll get a better sense of the town.
Just having trouble wrapping my mind around a pig in the house.
Now to finish book two of the series and hopefully start book three. And try the recipe.
May 16, 2022
It was cute but so predictable!
Title: 4 Stars - Nice - especially since its the first book of the series.
Characters: 3.5 Stars - Grandma Charlotte (I will not call her MeeMaw) is enjoyable, but there were too many baseless judgments paired with TSTL (too stupid to live) actions, particularly on Ally's part. Not to mention the 180-insta-love connection. *Sigh*
Pets: 5 Stars - Arnold & Peaches are awesome!
Mystery: 2 Stars - There wasn't so much foreshadowing as blatant neon signs based on Ally's thoughts and reactions. Once you saw it, there was no looking back.
It was entertaining enough for me to want to read another one.
Title: 4 Stars - Nice - especially since its the first book of the series.
Characters: 3.5 Stars - Grandma Charlotte (I will not call her MeeMaw) is enjoyable, but there were too many baseless judgments paired with TSTL (too stupid to live) actions, particularly on Ally's part. Not to mention the 180-insta-love connection. *Sigh*
Pets: 5 Stars - Arnold & Peaches are awesome!
Mystery: 2 Stars - There wasn't so much foreshadowing as blatant neon signs based on Ally's thoughts and reactions. Once you saw it, there was no looking back.
It was entertaining enough for me to want to read another one.
June 16, 2017
A nice cozy mystery. I liked the MC, Ally, and her Mee-Maw, Charlotte. Both were well written. I thought the mystery was interesting, and didn't figure out the killer until Ally did. I'd like to read more in this series. :)
May 26, 2018
First in a series Ally Sweet returns home after her divorce to help her Grand mother run the Candy Shop. When the delivery driver is found dead near the shop Brent an old High School flame of Ally's is the prime suspect, Ally is determined to prove him innocent with the help of her Grand Mother and Peaches the Cat.
September 2, 2022
Light hearted cozy mystery
April 14, 2023
A fun cozy mystery. I don't read a lot of cozy mysteries, so my rating is comparing to all genres. I did enjoy this book and will continue on in the series.
February 11, 2017
I was looking for something light, easy, and entertaining as a break from a heavier novel. This fit the bill perfectly. The mystery was easily solved, but I liked the characters and setting.
May 25, 2016
The Sweet Smell of Murder by Cindy Bell
Ally Sweet returns to her (small) hometown after a messy divorce. She plans on spending time with her Grandmother and relaxing. That is fine, until the delivery man from her grandmother's Chocolate shop ends up dead. Her High School sweetheart is the number one suspect, but All doesn't believe he would do such a thing. She is determined to find the true killer.
The plot moves quickly, Ally and her grandmother are very likable. At times I did figure out what was going to happen, but I still enjoyed the story. I recommend The Sweet Smell of Murder to those who love a fun who-done-it/cozy murder mystery.
Ally Sweet returns to her (small) hometown after a messy divorce. She plans on spending time with her Grandmother and relaxing. That is fine, until the delivery man from her grandmother's Chocolate shop ends up dead. Her High School sweetheart is the number one suspect, but All doesn't believe he would do such a thing. She is determined to find the true killer.
The plot moves quickly, Ally and her grandmother are very likable. At times I did figure out what was going to happen, but I still enjoyed the story. I recommend The Sweet Smell of Murder to those who love a fun who-done-it/cozy murder mystery.
August 7, 2017
I liked this cozy mystery. Ally Sweet returns to her hometown to get over her divorce and arrives just in time for a murder. This book is the first in a series so there is still lots of development to happen. It is fun and interesting and a solid entry in cozy mystery genre. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
January 28, 2024
Absolutely shocking. The blandest writing and characters. A short book but took me a while to finish because I just didn’t want to jump back in. Very confused by the high rating.
March 17, 2022
Cute first book to kick off this 21 book series! I like how it is about a wannabe Detective woman named Ally that is extremely close to her Mee-maw, Charlotte. The two ladies live together in a little 2 bedroom cottage with an orange cat and best friend of Ally named Peaches and a house pig named Arnold that belongs to Charlotte and that she regularly takes for walks.
Ally goes to visit her Mee-maw after a sad divorce that has left Ally untrusting of not only men, but everyone…except her Mee-maw, Peaches, and Arnold, of course. Ally has a high paying job in another city that she doesn’t enjoy at all. Ally helps her Mee-maw in the Chocolate shop Charlotte owns and finds she really misses making chocolates and how happy she is doing so.
Charlotte’s delivery driver is found killed and that is when Detective Julian and a new Detective, Luke step in to find out whodunnit. Ally feels Luke is suspicious of her and her Mee-maw, so Ally has to do everything she can in order to clear her and her Mee-maw’s name, including breaking and entering. Ally faces a very close call during her snooping that she may not be able to get out of! Can she escape and survive? Can Ally and her motley crew put the puzzle pieces together in time to find the killer or will they become victims, too?
Next book in this 21 book series is A Deadly Delicious Delivery (A Chocolate Cozy Mystery Book 2).
Ally goes to visit her Mee-maw after a sad divorce that has left Ally untrusting of not only men, but everyone…except her Mee-maw, Peaches, and Arnold, of course. Ally has a high paying job in another city that she doesn’t enjoy at all. Ally helps her Mee-maw in the Chocolate shop Charlotte owns and finds she really misses making chocolates and how happy she is doing so.
Charlotte’s delivery driver is found killed and that is when Detective Julian and a new Detective, Luke step in to find out whodunnit. Ally feels Luke is suspicious of her and her Mee-maw, so Ally has to do everything she can in order to clear her and her Mee-maw’s name, including breaking and entering. Ally faces a very close call during her snooping that she may not be able to get out of! Can she escape and survive? Can Ally and her motley crew put the puzzle pieces together in time to find the killer or will they become victims, too?
Next book in this 21 book series is A Deadly Delicious Delivery (A Chocolate Cozy Mystery Book 2).
February 14, 2026
Loved this page turning cozy mystery set in a small town where everyone knows you and your secrets.
Although, there was a huge secret that Ally and her grandmother uncovered that nearly led to their demise.
Ally came to visit her Mee Maw in her childhood home and town to help heal from a recent divorce.
She was not the only new face in town, Detective Luke had recently moved to town and had a few secrets of his own.
His cover kept him from making friends with the townspeople.
Ally sees a few of her old classmates while visiting with hopes of fun times.
Conner does not show up to the chocolate shop after leaving for a delivery which poses unexplained questions leading into investigation by Ally and her grandmother.
Ally does not know who to trust when she discovers things that don’t add up.
She uses her cat Peaches as an excuse to do some snooping.
Old friends aren’t what they seem.
Old grudges still exist and Ally wants peace instead of pain.
Her snooping nearly gets her killed which ultimately ends in old doors being closed and new ones being opened.
You will enjoy reading to get to the end in this enjoyable read.
Although, there was a huge secret that Ally and her grandmother uncovered that nearly led to their demise.
Ally came to visit her Mee Maw in her childhood home and town to help heal from a recent divorce.
She was not the only new face in town, Detective Luke had recently moved to town and had a few secrets of his own.
His cover kept him from making friends with the townspeople.
Ally sees a few of her old classmates while visiting with hopes of fun times.
Conner does not show up to the chocolate shop after leaving for a delivery which poses unexplained questions leading into investigation by Ally and her grandmother.
Ally does not know who to trust when she discovers things that don’t add up.
She uses her cat Peaches as an excuse to do some snooping.
Old friends aren’t what they seem.
Old grudges still exist and Ally wants peace instead of pain.
Her snooping nearly gets her killed which ultimately ends in old doors being closed and new ones being opened.
You will enjoy reading to get to the end in this enjoyable read.
April 2, 2020
The Sweet Smell of Murder is the first Cindy Bell book in this series that I've read. It introduces Charolette and her granddaughter Ally Sweet. Oh and of course, Ally's cat-Peaches and her Mee Maw's pot bellied pig Arnold! After divorcing her husband-Daniel, Ally heads back to her grandmother in the small country town of Blue River. She is known for her handmade gourmet chocolate and coffee shop. Ally's mother died when she was young so she lived with her grandmother. Shortly after her return to the shop, Ally sees the deliveryman, Connor, who she knew when she was younger. Connor is sent out on a delivery and doesn't return. He is later found dead by a dumpster, having been shot! Enter Detectives Julian Borran-who Ally once had an unrequited crush on and the new guy-Luke Elm. When they arrest the wrong man, family friend-Brent Nissle, Ally starts to do a little snooping. This series has interesting/likable characters in a friendly small town. I suspect Ally has a few adventures ahead!
August 29, 2024
This chocolate themed cozy mystery was a sweet read with lots of danger, suspense, gossip and excitement that kept me turning the pages until the end.
When recently divorced Ally Sweet returns to the small quaint town of Blue River she finds a warm welcome from her Mee-Maw Charlotte. Ally’s cat Peaches and Mee-Maw’s pig Arnold aren’t the best of friends.
Connor is Charlotte’s delivery driver for her chocolate store business. When he doesn’t return from a delivery he is found shot to death. Brett, another high school friend of Ally’s is the prime suspect due to bad blood between Connor and Brett’s family. Ally uses her sleuthing skills to help solve the murder. The 2 local detectives are hot on the trail as well.
Ally discovers things are not quite as they seem. Her life as well as Mee-Maw’s is put in danger while wondering who they can trust.
A satisfying conclusion and I am sure the adventures in the next book will be just as fun and suspenseful.
When recently divorced Ally Sweet returns to the small quaint town of Blue River she finds a warm welcome from her Mee-Maw Charlotte. Ally’s cat Peaches and Mee-Maw’s pig Arnold aren’t the best of friends.
Connor is Charlotte’s delivery driver for her chocolate store business. When he doesn’t return from a delivery he is found shot to death. Brett, another high school friend of Ally’s is the prime suspect due to bad blood between Connor and Brett’s family. Ally uses her sleuthing skills to help solve the murder. The 2 local detectives are hot on the trail as well.
Ally discovers things are not quite as they seem. Her life as well as Mee-Maw’s is put in danger while wondering who they can trust.
A satisfying conclusion and I am sure the adventures in the next book will be just as fun and suspenseful.
June 16, 2021
This was a really good start for this long-running series that I'm glad is still being published. I loved the small town setting and Mee-Maw with her cute little pet pig Arnold. Arnold didn't know what to make of Peaches the cat when Ally moved in. Charlotte aka Mee-Maw is probably my favorite character. She was able to encourage Ally when she needed it and even sleuth along with her.
I was a little surprised at whodunit, but at one point all the clues started leaning that way. What a crazy showdown but a great outcome and justice for the murdered man. I'm eager to read Ally and Luke's story as it unfolds (yes, I read all the future blurbs, I couldn't resist lol), and to see what mischief that little Arnold gets into next. I have quite a bit in the series already, and what I don't already have, I'm happy I'll be able to borrow with KU.
I was a little surprised at whodunit, but at one point all the clues started leaning that way. What a crazy showdown but a great outcome and justice for the murdered man. I'm eager to read Ally and Luke's story as it unfolds (yes, I read all the future blurbs, I couldn't resist lol), and to see what mischief that little Arnold gets into next. I have quite a bit in the series already, and what I don't already have, I'm happy I'll be able to borrow with KU.
April 1, 2023
This mystery was just okay. I don't like it when the author does not give us at least a clue of where the action happens. Is Blue River in the South, Northwest, or where? The location does affect somewhat, as the weather, lifestyle, etc. Even knowing what big city Ally left. Otherwise, the plot was interesting. I wish the town had been described more.
Ally leaves the big city after her divorce and goes back to her grandmother's small town. Maw-Maw has a chocolate shop, and soon her delivery driver is found dead. Of the 2 police in town, Julian is a local that Ally used to have a crush on, and Luke is an outsider and although handsome, not very polite.
I picked the killer almost right away, but it was fun watching them solve the mystery.
I'm not sure if I will read the others. Maybe if I can find them online.
Ally leaves the big city after her divorce and goes back to her grandmother's small town. Maw-Maw has a chocolate shop, and soon her delivery driver is found dead. Of the 2 police in town, Julian is a local that Ally used to have a crush on, and Luke is an outsider and although handsome, not very polite.
I picked the killer almost right away, but it was fun watching them solve the mystery.
I'm not sure if I will read the others. Maybe if I can find them online.
Read
May 25, 2024I got to page 79 &which was 69%) of the book and stopped there. I just wasn't into the characters or the story.
Amazon synopsis:
Ally Sweet is happy to be returning for a short break to the small town where she grew up. She is planning on using the time off to get over her messy divorce and she is looking forward to spending time with her much-loved grandmother and relaxing making chocolates and anything chocolaty.
But then… the delivery driver for her grandmother’s chocolate shop is found murdered. The detectives investigating the crime have a prime suspect, Ally’s high school sweetheart, Brent. Ally believes that Brent would never murder anyone, so with the help of her trusted feline friend, Peaches, she tries to uncover the truth.
The search for the killer leads Ally straight into the line of danger. Will she be able find the murderer before she becomes a victim herself?
Amazon synopsis:
Ally Sweet is happy to be returning for a short break to the small town where she grew up. She is planning on using the time off to get over her messy divorce and she is looking forward to spending time with her much-loved grandmother and relaxing making chocolates and anything chocolaty.
But then… the delivery driver for her grandmother’s chocolate shop is found murdered. The detectives investigating the crime have a prime suspect, Ally’s high school sweetheart, Brent. Ally believes that Brent would never murder anyone, so with the help of her trusted feline friend, Peaches, she tries to uncover the truth.
The search for the killer leads Ally straight into the line of danger. Will she be able find the murderer before she becomes a victim herself?
January 1, 2018
There is nothing like chocolate when dealing with emotional stress. After Ally Sweet gets through a nasty divorce, she can find comfort working in her grandmother’s chocolate shop. She had to solve who murdered. There is a cat named Peaches to cuddle with and a handsome detective names Luke she would like to cuddle with that keep her life interesting. Book 1 provides strong characters and is a satisfying beginning to the Chocolate Centered Cozy Mystery series.
I received this book through a random giveaway. Although encouraged as a courtesy to provide feedback, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I received this book through a random giveaway. Although encouraged as a courtesy to provide feedback, I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
December 3, 2019
Ally Sweet takes some time off of work to in order to go home to Blue River to visit her grandmother to help her get over her horrible divorce. While she is working in her grandmother’s chocolate shop a man (Connor) that she went to school with and occasionally helps her grandmother with deliveries asks her out on a date which she is looking forward to. Unfortunately, he ends up dead. She feels compelled to investigate the murder, but she is not sure which detective to trust. One is an old friend (Julian) and the other (Luke) is new in town but very rude. What did Connor see or get involved with that would make someone want to kill him? The characters are well developed and relatable.
June 11, 2017
Returning home is never easy.
Ally has returned home to the open arms of her spunky Grandmother. She wants to heal from her recent divorce and feels that spending time making chocolate deliciousness is the perfect way.
This was a somewhat more serious cozy. Once the introduction is made the author begins developing the plot and confusing the reader about who done it. It was well written and a very smooth read. The characters were secondary to the plot but I believe we will see them become more developed in future books.
Ally has returned home to the open arms of her spunky Grandmother. She wants to heal from her recent divorce and feels that spending time making chocolate deliciousness is the perfect way.
This was a somewhat more serious cozy. Once the introduction is made the author begins developing the plot and confusing the reader about who done it. It was well written and a very smooth read. The characters were secondary to the plot but I believe we will see them become more developed in future books.
September 11, 2021
After a heartbreaking divorce, Ally Sweet was going home to her grandmother and was looking forward to working in her chocolate shop again. Soon, their delivery guy is found dead—shot and left in the dumpster.
While dealing with remorse and a town full of gossips, Ally and her grandmother continue to make chocolate baskets and sweet confections. But Ally could not shake her nagging curiosity, especially when she finds a ribbon from one of their baskets in the detective’s trash can. Could the police be involved?
A sweet murder mystery!
While dealing with remorse and a town full of gossips, Ally and her grandmother continue to make chocolate baskets and sweet confections. But Ally could not shake her nagging curiosity, especially when she finds a ribbon from one of their baskets in the detective’s trash can. Could the police be involved?
A sweet murder mystery!
October 17, 2017
This is the first in the series and the first time reading this author. The main character is Ally who comes back to visit her grandma after her divorce. While helping her Mee-Maw in her chocolate store on her first day back the delivery driver is murdered and it looks like they may try to pin it on her or her Mee-Maw. She has some crazy adventures trying to find answers. I can't wait to read more about her.
November 14, 2017
Ally Sweet is returning home to recover from her divorce and help out her fun loving grandmother run the candy shop. When the delivery driver is found murdered near the shop the prime suspect is Brent, an old flame of Ally's high school days. Determined to prove him innocent, she steps right into danger along with grandma and Peaches the cat. A good cozy series in the making. Lots of potential friends and victims in small town USA and of course a yummy chocolate muffin recipe.
January 14, 2022
Peaches
Ally's marriage is over and she's gone to visit her grandmother in Blue River. She has lots of vacation time and decides to take the time to figure her future out. Connor a childhood friend works part-time for her grandmother doing deliveries, he never returns and is found the next morning dead. Everyone thinks Brent killed him due to old family feud except Ally. She doesn't trust the new cop, Luke. She's determined to figure out who killed Connor.
Ally's marriage is over and she's gone to visit her grandmother in Blue River. She has lots of vacation time and decides to take the time to figure her future out. Connor a childhood friend works part-time for her grandmother doing deliveries, he never returns and is found the next morning dead. Everyone thinks Brent killed him due to old family feud except Ally. She doesn't trust the new cop, Luke. She's determined to figure out who killed Connor.
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